The Lakers will have three two-a-days during training camp: Sept. 29, Oct. 1 and Oct. 3

Good, it's a good thing the guys are mostly in shape, and apparently have the intent of attacking pre-season with the same urgency of the regular season in order to find place, earn spots, etc.

That means we'll likely see less 'experimentation' after the first 2 or so pre-season games as all of the Lakers with the exception of Kobe and Pau have spent the last month or so learning the system, working on defense and getting some of their tendencies learned. Feel like the learning curve will be less steep with this team as well as the chemistry being a vast improvement.

According to Rambis the Lakers have been working "all summer long" on defense. So it's a good sign.

LET TRAINING CAMP BEGIN!!!

Edited by Majesty, November 06, 2013 - 06:08 PM.

"Bryant had come to rage against the idea that Howard's clownish disposition could overtake the locker room, the Lakers' culture, and had warned Howard that he would never, ever let it happen."

Never have been so excited for a season. So much anticipation and can't wait to see what this year's squad will be able to accomplish. Of course expectations from a majority of the NBA are low but I like the underdog idea of it all. Only difficult part is this will be one of the very few years Kobe has left in his tank... Go Lakers!!!

Gonna be a fun season, like how much youth we have on this team. With Kobe's previous injuries and age i doubt he plays anything close to a full 82 games. Glad to have more athletic guys who can back him up

Glad to see Kobe out there. Even if he isn't able to do much, it is important as a leader that his impact is felt.

I think the main reason why I'm so excited for this season is because I have no clue what to think of this team. This team can either be pretty decent, or really bad. Can't wait! (Bart Scott voice).

And hopefully good health! Might need 50ish wins to make playoffs in west.

Praying for 1. Kobe's Health (a special 20th season, like he deserves), 2. Draft Picks Ballin (they better. Seems half the team hasnt played in league) 3. Miracle Move (We still need 2 more impact guys), 4. Hibbert (change of scenery and attitude sorely needed) 5. Upshaw (If he works out, mitch and jim and ryan deserve major kudos as the risk is minimal). Staples(some renewed energy in that building, been a total morgue last couple years)

Yeah, it will be a fun season and there won't be such a stressful feeling in the air this time around.

I think it will only be the "hold breath" is when Kobe's first game, but if he goes through about a month with no issues or setbacks on the court it will be less of a holding breath and knock on wood he remains healthy!!!

Exactly. I love the idea that most of our guys were getting together a week prior to training camp for scrimmages. I could be wrong, but I don't remember that happening last season.

A month actually Some for a month and a half

And that did happen last year but it was basically all our reserves and Jordan Hill...

That was about it, guys like Barnes, Morris, and DJO were the guys doing it, along with Matt Barnes and Gilbert Arenas.

Basically our 3rd options off the bench, the only 2nd unit guy that was there last year doing the pre-camp was Jordan Hill.

This time every Laker except Pau and Kobe has been running scrimmages, working with the system, and working on defense(per Rambis) for all summer, and most for the last month and a half including Nash.

So that's all good news.

I already feel the better feeling in the air around this team.

And notice Kobe's demeanor? He looks genuinely happy.

Edited by Majesty, September 28, 2013 - 08:16 PM.

"Bryant had come to rage against the idea that Howard's clownish disposition could overtake the locker room, the Lakers' culture, and had warned Howard that he would never, ever let it happen."

Q: On when he expects to return from his injury:
Bryant: My goal is to play tonight. So, it’s about being smart about it and pacing it the right way and just seeing how it does. It’s really a strength thing now and just seeing how the explosiveness holds up and how the recovery holds up after that.

Very keen for this season to get underway - they all look genuinely happy out there!

They do, they seem like a group of guys that like being around each other.

Team's gonna have to play unified where as last year it seemed like there were forces working for the team to actually break apart..

I think it had to do with the clashing philosophies of two of the captains.

However this year it seems we have guys that want to WIN as well as have fun. Coming here for less money says that, they will play like their careers depend on it, and with a chip on their shoulder and that can work for us because Kobe ALWAYS plays that way.

I just want us to remain healthy as well!!!

But I love how happy we look around each other Kobe seems to be more upbeat this year too.

"Bryant had come to rage against the idea that Howard's clownish disposition could overtake the locker room, the Lakers' culture, and had warned Howard that he would never, ever let it happen."

Id be thrilled if Kobe eases his way back like he says. Would anyone else be happy with 22/5/5 from him. I would. Kobe in the post A LOT this season seems likely.

Praying Nash still has enough in the tank to get 8 assists in limited minutes.

But i'll be honest...last year i was way more excited. And then--depression set in

Praying for 1. Kobe's Health (a special 20th season, like he deserves), 2. Draft Picks Ballin (they better. Seems half the team hasnt played in league) 3. Miracle Move (We still need 2 more impact guys), 4. Hibbert (change of scenery and attitude sorely needed) 5. Upshaw (If he works out, mitch and jim and ryan deserve major kudos as the risk is minimal). Staples(some renewed energy in that building, been a total morgue last couple years)